1. Introduction to New Zealand Partnership Visas
Immigration New Zealand presents the New Zealand partnership visa framework as one of the most relied-upon immigration pathways for couples seeking to live together in New Zealand. This visa category allows an applicant to obtain a visitor, work, or residence visa based on their relationship with an eligible supporting partner who is a New Zealand citizen or resident, or who holds an appropriate temporary visa.
New Zealand Partnership visas are assessed with a high level of scrutiny, requiring clear, well-organised, and credible evidence that the relationship meets immigration instructions.
2. What Qualifies as a Partnership Under New Zealand Immigration Law
INZ defines a partnership as a relationship between two people of the same or opposite sex who live together in a genuine and stable partnership. The relationship may be a legal marriage, a civil union, or a de facto relationship. Immigration New Zealand focuses on the reality of the relationship rather than its legal form, assessing whether the couple shares a domestic life, mutual commitment, and long-term intent.
Living together is central to the definition. Relationships conducted solely online or without cohabitation do not meet partnership instructions, regardless of emotional connection or future plans.
3. Types of New Zealand Partnership Visas
There are three primary visa pathways available under partnership instructions:
Partnership-Based Visitor Visa
Partnership-Based Visitor Visa allows applicants to join their partner in New Zealand for a temporary stay, usually up to 12 months, while maintaining the ability to live together lawfully.
Partnership-Based Work Visa
Partnership-Based Work Visa enables applicants to work in New Zealand based on their partnership, offering open work rights in most cases and greater flexibility for couples establishing their life together.
Partnership-Based Residence Visa
Partnership-Based Residence Visa provides a pathway to permanent residence once the partnership meets higher thresholds, including the duration of living together and demonstrated long-term stability.
Each visa type has distinct evidentiary and eligibility requirements, with residence applications subject to the highest level of scrutiny.
4. Eligibility Criteria for Partnership Visa Applicants
Applicants and supporting partners must meet core eligibility requirements, including:
- Both partners must be aged 18 or over, or aged 16–17 with parental or guardian consent
- The couple must have met in person before applying
- The relationship must not involve close relatives
- The partnership must be genuine, stable, and ongoing
- The couple must be living together at the time of application
Failure to meet any of these criteria can result in application delays or refusal.
5. Living Together: The Core Requirement Explained
Living together is the foundation of every New Zealand partnership visa application. Immigration New Zealand interprets living together as sharing the same home in a genuine domestic arrangement, not merely visiting or staying temporarily.
Acceptable Evidence of Living Together
- Joint tenancy agreements or property ownership documents
- Official correspondence sent to both partners at the same address
- Shared utility bills and household accounts
- Rent records or landlord confirmations
Evidence must clearly demonstrate continuity, consistency, and shared domestic responsibility.
6. Evidence Required to Prove a Genuine and Stable Partnership
Partnership evidence should be presented as a cohesive narrative supported by documentation across multiple areas:
Financial Interdependence
- Joint bank accounts or shared financial obligations
- Transaction records showing mutual financial support
- Joint ownership of assets or shared liabilities
Shared Responsibilities and Commitment
- Insurance policies or wills naming each other as beneficiaries
- Evidence of future planning and long-term arrangements
- Birth certificates of children, if applicable
Communication and Relationship History
- Emails, messages, letters, and call logs
- Travel records and shared activity bookings
- Evidence covering the entire duration of the relationship
Public and Family Recognition
- Photographs taken over time
- Statements from family and friends
- Invitations, event records, or social acknowledgment
Consistency across documents is critical to credibility.
Read more: Navigating New Zealand Partnership Visas: Essential Steps for Overseas Marriages
7. Proving Partnership for Residence Visas
Residence-class partnership applications require stronger and longer-term evidence. Couples must demonstrate that they have been living together for a minimum of 12 months at the time the application is lodged. Immigration New Zealand also assesses the durability of the relationship, including shared long-term plans and sustained commitment.
Residence applications benefit from chronological evidence presentation, showing relationship development, cohabitation history, and increasing integration of lives over time.
8. Periods of Separation and How to Address Them
Temporary separations may occur due to work, study, travel, or border restrictions. These periods do not automatically weaken an application if properly explained and supported by evidence.
Applicants must clearly show:
- The duration of each separation
- The reason for the separation
- How the relationship was maintained during that time
Supporting evidence may include communication records, travel tickets, and proof of ongoing financial or emotional support.
9. How Immigration New Zealand Assesses Partnership Applications
Partnership applications involve a high degree of subjective assessment by immigration officers. INZ evaluates the totality of evidence rather than relying on any single document.
Assessment Methods May Include:
- Detailed review of submitted documentation
- Interviews with one or both partners
- Requests for further information or clarification
- Visits to the shared residence
Clear explanations, accurate documentation, and internal consistency significantly strengthen outcomes.
10. Common Reasons Partnership Visa Applications Are Declined
The most common risk areas leading to refusal include:
- Insufficient proof of living together
- Inconsistent addresses, dates, or financial records
- Limited evidence of financial or emotional interdependence
- Unexplained gaps or separations
- Concerns regarding credibility or relationship intent
Addressing these issues proactively is essential to approval.
11. What to Do If a New Zealand Partnership Visa Is Declined
Available options depend on the visa type and applicant location:
- Temporary visa applicants in New Zealand may request reconsideration within 14 days
- Residence visa applicants may appeal to the Immigration and Protection Tribunal within 42 days
- Offshore applicants may submit a new application with strengthened evidence
Each option requires careful assessment of refusal reasons and supporting documentation.
12. Risks of Providing False or Misleading Information
Providing false or misleading information is a criminal offence under New Zealand immigration law. Allegations of fraudulent partnerships are taken seriously and may result in visa refusal, bans on future applications, or prosecution. Accuracy, transparency, and consistency are essential throughout the application process.
How Immigration Chambers Can Assist With Partnership Visas
Immigration Chambers provides comprehensive legal support for partnership-based visa applications, from initial eligibility assessment to final decision. Services include evidence strategy development, document review, relationship narrative preparation, assistance with interviews or PPIs, and representation for reconsiderations or appeals.
Connect with our Licensed Immigration Adviser in Auckland now for personalised New Zealand partnership visa advice and confident representation, or Book a Consultation for a clear eligibility assessment, tailored evidence strategy, and end-to-end application support.
Watch, Learn, and Stay Updated
For practical tips, policy updates, and answers to visa-related questions, visit the Immigration Chambers YouTube channel, where easy-to-follow videos and shorts guide you through New Zealand immigration procedures
Frequently Asked Questions About Partnership-Based Visas
1. What is considered a partnership under New Zealand immigration law?
A partnership is a genuine and stable relationship where two people live together in a marriage, civil union, or de facto relationship, regardless of gender.
2. What evidence is most important for a partnership visa?
Key evidence includes shared accommodation documents, financial interdependence, proof of commitment, communication records, and public or family recognition.
3. Is marriage enough to qualify for a partnership visa?
Marriage alone is not sufficient. Applicants must also prove living together and a genuine, stable relationship.
4. Can same-sex couples apply for partnership visas?
Yes. New Zealand immigration law recognises same-sex partnerships equally.
5. How long must couples live together before applying for residence?
A minimum of 12 months of living together is required at the time of lodgement.
6. Can applicants apply while living outside New Zealand?
Yes, provided partnership and living together requirements are met and supported by evidence.
7. Does Immigration New Zealand always conduct interviews?
Interviews are discretionary and are usually conducted when further clarification is required.
8. Can we apply if we lived apart for some time?
Yes. Periods of separation must be explained with evidence showing why the separation occurred and how the relationship was maintained.
9. What happens if a partnership visa is declined?
Temporary visa applicants may request reconsideration within 14 days if lawfully in New Zealand. Residence applicants can appeal to the Immigration and Protection Tribunal within 42 days.
10. Can false information affect future visa applications?
Yes. Providing false or misleading information is a criminal offence and can lead to visa refusal, bans, or prosecution.
Wrapping up
Successful New Zealand partnership-based visa applications rely on well-structured evidence, clear timelines, and consistent documentation aligned with immigration instructions. By presenting a genuine, stable, and credible partnership supported by comprehensive proof, applicants are better positioned for a positive outcome under New Zealand’s partnership visa framework.